An alternative to controversial plans to axe all wardens at Nuneaton and Bedworth’s sheltered complexes was proposed – but councillors decided against it.
On what is known as pink paper, which cannot be seen by the press or public, were other options to the current proposal to cut all scheme managers in favour of new independent living co-ordinators.
The News has seen the document and there were three options in total, and ‘Option 2’ would have led to less wardens being axed and the very sheltered complexes being reclassified, as well as bungalows and decommissioning five further complexes.
While not ideal, the opposing Conservatives at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council say that those due to be affected by the changes should have had the opportunity to look at the document in full, rather than just be asked their opinion on ‘option 3’ which was rubber-stamped by cabinet members before being put out to consultation.
But a spokesperson for the Town Hall explained: “The other two options noted in the cabinet report on November 2 were not financially viable, therefore, we did not consult on options that could not be delivered.”
The news about the alternative options comes on the eve of members of the council’s scrutiny panel looking at the responses to the consultation.
They are due to meet tomorrow (Thursday, January 19) to look at the results of the consultation before it is put before the cabinet on Wednesday (January 25) who will make the final decision that will impact on so many lives across the borough.
According to the report of the housing and communities overview and scrutiny panel it states that, in total, 469 visits to tenants were carried out as part of the consultation in to ‘option 3’ across all affected schemes.
There was an extra 31 consultation responses received either via telephone, letter or email. It goes on to add that the majority did not support the proposals, saying: “Many residents had not realised that the proposal did not include the removal of communal facilities for those where the proposal was to introduce Independent Living. There were reports on social media and in the press that these facilities would be removed for everyone. Whilst the press did publish a statement from the council correcting the proposal, social media continued to publish incorrect information. The loss of the communal facilities was seen as a significant issue for the majority of residents, especially for those which were proposed for decommissioning.
Article originally published by Nuneaton News
